Qi (pronounced "chee") is like your body's internal battery. A fundamental precept of traditional Chinese medicine, the word translates roughly to "life force" or "vital energy." Qi circulates throughout your body along pathways known as meridians, which connect all the organ systems. Acupuncture and acupressure help restore qi by treating specific meridian points throughout the…
Given their high starch content and tendency to make some people "gassy," are black beans really good for you? Yes, black beans are a food that almost everyone can benefit from keeping in their kitchen cabinets. Studies have linked eating black beans with helping protect against inflammation, heart disease, weight gain, diabetes, certain cancers and common…
Peppermint oil is one of the most versatile essential oils out there. It can be used aromatically, topically and internally to address a number of health concerns, from muscles aches and seasonal allergy symptoms to low energy and digestive complaints. It's also commonly used to boost energy levels and improve both skin and hair health.…
There's a lot of controversy around soy and soy-based products like natto. With all the contradictory claims out there from researchers and health experts alike, it's no wonder that many people are left scratching their heads on whether soy helps or harms your health. The answer is: It depends. Marketing geniuses have posited soy as…
Erythritol is now one of the most popular “natural” zero-calorie sweeteners available. What is erythritol exactly, and is it safe to consume on a regular basis? Because it’s seemingly less problematic than the controversial artificial sweetener called aspartame, it makes sense that more and more people are choosing erythritol in hopes of decreasing added sugar in their…
Ginkgo biloba, also known as maidenhair, is an ancient plant extract that has been used in China to heal various health ailments for thousands of years. What is ginkgo biloba good for? It's been widely studied as an anti-inflammatory herb for its platelet-forming and circulation-boosting effects. According to current research, ginkgo biloba benefits may include…
Cherries are popular because of their sweet and juicy characteristics, and more and more research suggests that they are extremely beneficial to your health too. What are the benefits of cherries, and what makes cherry nutrition so beneficial? The nutrients and bioactive components in cherries support their preventive health benefits. A 2018 review of the health…
Many of us have used cayenne pepper to add a little spice to our meals, but did you know that it has the power to change your health? It has been used for both food and medicine for the last 9,000 years! Cayenne pepper can stimulate your body’s circulation and reduce acidity; it’s a powerful, spicy…
People living in India have relied on traditional Ayurvedic medicine practices to help heal everything from infertility to digestive issues for centuries. Luckily, in recent years — as complementary and alternative health practices have become more popular across the world — Ayurveda has been enjoying a major worldwide resurgence. What is the aim of Ayurvedic treatment? The…
For those familiar with natural medicine and chronic pain, comfrey is likely on your list of remedies. This herb has been used for centuries to treat a variety of pain- and inflammation-related issues. Among its clinical uses, comfrey can help relieve pain, reduce inflammation of muscles and joints, speed the healing of bruises and contusions…